Roodepoort detective commended for outstanding work

The community’s lack of trust in the police is often highlighted on many occasions but recently Roodepoort police station’s detective Sergeant Hamilton Mathope has changed the minds of many through his extraordinary work to investigate crimes, even when it appeared that they might go unsolved.

On Thursday, June 9 Roodepoort Police Management thanked Mathope of the Roodepoort Detectives Serious and Violent Crimes group for his excellent investigation that led to life sentences being handed down in three murder cases involving four suspects.

As she presented him with his certificate of appreciation, Roodepoort Police Station commander Brigadier Irene Sekwakwa thanked Mathope by saying, “I would like to thank detective Sergeant Hamilton Mathope for his dedication and commitment to our community by ensuring that criminals like these are brought to book.

“He has worked non-stop to ensure that the community is safe. He is to be commended for the work that he put into these and other cases that he deals with on a daily basis.

“He is an example of excellence to his colleagues and to other officers.

“I also want to thank the community for their assistance in these and other matters, and encourage them to continue coming forward if they have any other information,” said Sekwakwa.

Mathope received a murder docket in April 2020 regarding a taxi driver and a passenger that had been shot in Durban Deep.

Three thugs robbed the passengers and stole their personal items. According to eyewitnesses the one lady asked one of the robbers, “Why are you shooting at the driver?” and then he shot her also and she died on the scene.

The taxi driver passed away a few days later in hospital and information was followed up with the assistance of JMPD members and the SANDF under lockdown.

After a few days the team arrested two suspects at the married quarters in Durban Deep for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Inside the room a handbag was found together with a purse and cell phone pouch which was later identified as belonging to the deceased.

The suspects were positively identified through an identification parade and charged with the murder of the taxi driver and the lady passenger.

Upon receipt of the ballistic information the firearms were positively linked to another case of murder. The victim was found in an open veld in Matholesville also in April 2020.

Further investigation led the detectives back to the married quarters in Durban Deep where a third suspect was cornered and arrested for being in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The same firearm was also linked to both murder cases as it was found that the three suspects shared the use of the firearms.

The matter was heard in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court and later transferred to the Johannesburg High Court. From there it was transferred to Palm Ridge High Court.

On Monday, May 30 the Palm Ridge High Court found the three suspects guilty and life sentences were handed down to them.

Accused number one, Tshokelo Leshuhlo Nicknamed “Gadhafi” aged 27 was given four life sentences for murder. He also received 45 years for unlawful possession of a firearm, nine years for unlawful possession of ammunition, and 60 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Accused number two, Thabiso Shewani aged 26 received three life terms, 63 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 45 years for unlawful possession of firearm, and six year for unlawful possession of ammunition.

Accused number three, Koketso Bobete aged 26 was given three life terms for murder, 60 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 30 years for unlawful possession of a firearm, and nine years for unlawful possession of ammunition.

In another case involving a security guard who had been fatally stabbed in Wilro Park Shopping Centre on October 6, 2020, the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court found Lehlohonolo Sekgejane guilty of the murder. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment and was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“Thanks to our management and the community at large for their assistance; it was not easy to put this matter to rest,” said Mathope.